Mini-blind actuator

ABSTRACT

A mini-blind actuator has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to window covering peripheralsand more particularly to remotely-controlled mini-blind actuators.

BACKGROUND

Louvered blinds, such as Levellor® mini-blinds, are used as windowcoverings in a vast number of business buildings and dwellings. Thetypical blind has a number of horizontal elongated parallelepiped-shapedlouvers, i.e., rotationally-movable slats, which are collectivelyoriented with their major surfaces parallel to the ground ("open") topermit light to pass between adjacent slats, or with their majorsurfaces perpendicular to the ground ("closed"), to block light frompassing between adjacent slats, or any intermediate position betweenopen and closed. Stated differently, the slats can be rotated abouttheir respective longitudinal axes, i.e., about respective lines whichare parallel to the ground, to open or close the blind. Alternatively,the slats may be oriented vertically for rotation about their respectivelongitudinal axes (i.e., for rotation about respective lines that areperpendicular to the ground), for opening and closing the blind.

Ordinarily, to provide for movement of the slats of a blind between theopen and closed positions, an elongated actuating baton is coupled tostructure on the blind such that when the baton is manually rotatedabout its longitudinal axis, the slats move in unison between the openand closed positions. It will accordingly be appreciated that by propermanual operation of the baton, blinds can be used to effectivelyregulate the amount of light which passes into the room in which theblind is located. Thus, blinds can be opened during the day to permitsunlight to enter the room, or closed during particularly warm days toprevent overheating of the room. Likewise, blinds can be closed at nightfor security purposes, and to prevent heat within the room fromdissipating through the window into the cool evening air.

While most existing manually-operated blinds accordingly provide aneffective means for regulating the amount of light propagating into orout of a room, it is often advantageous to provide for remote orautomatic positioning of the blinds. For example, it would beadvantageous to provide for the automatic nighttime closing of blinds ina business premises, for both security reasons and energy conservation,rather than to rely on personnel to remember to manually close allblinds before vacating the premises for the evening. Also, remoteoperation of blinds would enable many invalid persons to regulate theamount of light entering their rooms, without requiring the persons tomanually operate the actuating baton.

Not surprisingly, several systems have been introduced for eitherlowering and raising the slats of a blind, or for moving the slatsbetween the open and closed positions. For example, U.S. Pat. No.4,644,990 to Webb, Sr. et al. teaches a system for automatically movinga set of venetian-type window blinds in response to sensing apredetermined level of sunlight. Likewise, U.S. Pat. No. 3,860,055 toWild teaches a system for automatically raising or lowering a shutterupon sensing a predetermined level of sunlight.

Unfortunately, both of the systems mentioned above, like many, if notmost, automatic blind control systems, are somewhat complicated inoperation and cumbersome and bulky in installation, and consequently arerelatively expensive. For example, the Webb, Sr. et al. system requiresthat a housing be mated with the blind structure for holding the variouscomponents of the patented system, which includes, inter alia, ratchets,pawls, gears, clutches, levers, and springs. In a similar vein, the Wildinvention requires the use of, among other components, a rather bulkygas-driven piston-and-cylinder to raise and lower the shutter. Preciselyhow the piston-and-cylinder is mounted on an existing shutter assemblyis not discussed by Wild.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide acomparatively simple device for opening and closing mini-blinds. It isanother object of the present invention to provide a remote controldevice for opening and closing blinds which is compact and easy toinstall. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide adevice for remotely and automatically opening and closing blinds. Stillanother object of the present invention is to provide a device forremotely and automatically opening and closing mini-blinds whichconsumes relatively little power. Further, it is an object of thepresent invention to provide a device for remotely and automaticallyopening and closing mini-blinds which is easy to use and cost-effectiveto manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An actuator is disclosed for rotating the actuating baton of amini-blind to open or close the slats of the mini-blind. Typically, themini-blind is mounted adjacent a surface, e.g., a window sill.

The actuator of the present invention includes an electric motor whichis operably engaged with a coupling, and the coupling is engageable withthe baton substantially anywhere along the length of the baton. Ahousing is provided for holding the motor, and a fastening element isattached to the housing and is connectable to a nearby surface, e.g.,the window frame or the head rail of the blind, to prevent relativemotion between the surface and the housing. At least one direct current(dc) battery is mounted in the housing and is electrically connected tothe motor for selectively energizing the motor to rotate the baton.

Preferably, the rotor is connected to a gear assembly, and the gearassembly in turn is connected to the coupling. The coupling has achannel configured for closely receiving the baton. In the presentlypreferred embodiment, the gear assembly includes a plurality ofreduction gears for causing the baton to rotate at a fraction of theangular velocity of the rotor, and a rack gear for operating a limitswitch to deactivate the motor when the blind is in a predeterminedconfiguration.

In one presently preferred embodiment, a power switch is mounted in thehousing and is electrically connected between the battery and the motor.Preferably, the power switch is an electronic circuit. As intended bythe present invention, the power switch has an open configuration,wherein the electrical circuit from the battery to the motor isincomplete, and a closed configuration, wherein the electrical circuitfrom the battery to the motor is complete.

To provide for remote operation of the actuator, the power switch ismoved between the open and closed configurations by a control signal. Inone embodiment, this control signal is generated by a daylight sensorwhich is electrically connected to the switch. The daylight sensorgenerates the control signal in response to a predetermined amount oflight impinging on the daylight sensor.

Additionally, the control signal may be generated by a signal sensorwhich is electrically connected to the power switch. The signal sensorgenerates the control signal in response to a user command signal. Tothis end, a hand-held user command signal generator is provided whichemits an optical user command signal.

In another aspect of the present invention, a device is disclosed formoving the operator of a window covering having slats to open or closethe slats. The device includes an actuator that has an electric motorand a coupling operably engaged with the motor. The coupling contactsthe operator to prevent rotational relative motion between the couplingand the operator. A portable source of electrical power is included, anda control signal generator is provided for generating a control signalto cause the source of electrical power to be electrically connectedwith the actuator for energizing the motor to move the operator.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method is disclosedfor moving the slats of a mini-blind by rotating the actuating baton ofthe mini-blind. The method of the present invention includes the stepsof providing a motor, a dc battery, and a housing for holding thebattery and the motor, and then coupling the rotor of a motor with thebaton. Next, the housing is fastened to a nearby surface, e.g., a windowsill or the head rail of the blind. Then, a predeterminedelectromagnetic signal is sensed to cause the battery to energize themotor and thereby rotate the baton.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a device is disclosedfor rotating the operating baton of a blind to open and close the blind.As contemplated by the present invention, the device includes anelectric motor having a rotor and a direct current battery. A couplingis operably engaged with the motor and is also coupled to the baton fortransferring rotational motion of the rotor to the baton. A light sensorgenerates a signal to complete an electrical circuit between the batteryand the motor when light having a predetermined intensity impinges onthe sensor. In accordance with the present invention, the light sensorhas a dark current equal to or less than about 10⁻⁵ amperes.

The details of the present invention, both as to its construction andoperation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanyingdrawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts, and which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the actuator of the present invention,shown in one intended environment;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the actuator of the presentinvention, shown in one intended environment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the actuator of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the gear assembly of the actuator of thepresent invention, with portions broken away;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the main reduction gear of the actuatorof the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the main reduction gear of theactuator of the present invention, as seen along the line 5B--5B in FIG.5A;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the reed switch of the actuator of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the electronic circuitry of theactuator of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring initially to FIG. 1, an actuator is shown, generallydesignated 10. As shown, the actuator 10 is in operable engagement witha rotatable operating baton 12 of a mini-blind 14 having a plurality oflouvered slats 16.

In the embodiment shown, the mini-blind 14 is a Levellor®-typemini-blind which is mounted on a window frame 18 to cover a window 20,and the baton 12 is rotatable about its longitudinal axis. When thebaton 12 is rotated about its longitudinal axis, each of the slats 16 iscaused to rotate about its respective longitudinal axis to move themini-blind 14 between an open configuration, wherein a light passagewayis established between each pair of adjacent slats, and a closedconfiguration, wherein no light passageways are established betweenadjacent slats.

While the embodiment described above discusses a mini-blind, it is to beunderstood that the principles of the present invention apply to a widerange of window coverings that have louvered slats.

As can be appreciated in reference to FIG. 1, the baton 12 has ahexagonally-shaped transverse cross-section, and the baton 12 isslidably engageable with a channel 22 of the actuator 10. Accordingly,the actuator 10 can be slidably engaged with the baton 12 substantiallyanywhere along the length of the baton 12.

FIG. 2 shows that the actuator 10 includes a fastening element,preferably a clip 23, for fastening the actuator 10 to a head rail 24 ofthe mini-blind 14. In the embodiment shown, the clip 23 engages the headrail 24 in a close interference fit to hold the actuator 10 onto thehead rail 24. A support 25 is connected to or molded integrally with theactuator 10, and the support 25 extends below the head rail 24 and abovethe top slat 16a of the blind 14 to laterally support the actuator 10.

Alternatively, the actuator 10 can be fastened to the window frame 18.In such an embodiment, a strip of tape (not shown) having adhesivematerial on both of its opposed major surfaces is adhered to a portionof the actuator 10, and when the actuator 10 is gently pressed againstthe window frame 18, the tape adheres to the window frame 18 to fastenthe actuator 10 to the window frame 18. It is to be understood that theactuator 10 alternatively may be attached to the frame 18 by bolts,screws, glue, nails, or other well-known fasteners.

In cross-reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the actuator 10 has a rigid solidplastic light pipe 26 which, when the actuator 10 is mounted on thewindow frame 18 as shown, extends between the window 20 and themini-blind 14. Accordingly, a light passageway is established by thelight pipe 26 from the window 20 to the actuator 10. To facilitate thetransmission of light through the light pipe 26, the light pipe 26 hasan end 27 which has a relatively rough, e.g., thirty micron (30 μ)finish, while the remainder of the surface of the light pipe 26 has athree micron (3 μ) finish. It will be appreciated in reference to FIGS.1 and 2 that the light pipe 26 also provides lateral support to theactuator 10, in the same manner as provided by the support 25.

A control signal generator, preferably a daylight sensor 28 (shown inphantom in FIG. 3) is mounted on the actuator 10 by means well-known inthe art, e.g., solvent bonding. In accordance with the presentinvention, the daylight sensor 28 is in light communication with thelight guide 26. Also, the sensor 28 is electrically connected toelectronic components within the actuator 10 to send a control signal tothe components, as more fully disclosed below. Consequently, with thearrangement shown, the daylight sensor 28 can detect light thatpropagates through the window 20, independent of whether the mini-blind14 is in the open configuration or the closed configuration.

Further, the actuator 10 includes another control signal generator,preferably a signal sensor 29, for receiving an optical, preferablyvisible red modulated user command signal. Preferably, the user commandsignal is generated by a hand-held user command signal generator 31,which advantageously is a television remote-control unit. In onepresently preferred embodiment, the generator 31 generates a pulsedoptical signal having a pulse rate of between about fifteen hundredmicroseconds and five thousand microseconds (1500 μs-5000 μs).

Like the daylight sensor 28, the signal sensor 29 is electricallyconnected to electronic components within the actuator 10. As discussedin greater detail below, either one of the daylight sensor 28 and signalsensor 29 can generate an electrical control signal to activate theactuator 10 and thereby cause the mini-blind 14 to move toward the openor closed configuration, as appropriate.

Preferably, both the daylight sensor 28 and signal sensor 29 are lightdetectors which have low dark currents, to conserve power when theactuator 10 is deactivated. More particularly, the sensors 28, 29 havedark currents equal to or less than about 10³¹ 8 amperes and preferablyequal to or less than about 2×10⁻⁹ amperes. In the presently preferredembodiment, the daylight sensor 28 and signal sensor 29 are selecteddouble-end type phototransistors made by Sharp Electronics, part no. PT460.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the actuator 10 includes a hollow, generallyparallelepiped-shaped lightweight metal or molded plastic clamshellhousing 30. As shown, the housing 30 has a first half 32 which issnappingly engageable with a second half 34. Alternatively, the firsthalf 32 of the housing 30 can be glued or bolted to the second half 34.Two openings 36, 38 are formed in the housing 30 to establish thechannel 22 shown in FIG. 1. As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the housing30 has a slightly convex front surface 39.

As shown best in FIG. 3, a molded plastic battery carriage 40 ispositioned within the housing 30. Preferably, the battery carriage 40generally conforms to the inside contour of the housing 30, i.e., thehousing 30 "captures" the battery carriage 40 and holds the carriage 40stationary within the housing 30.

A power supply 42 is mounted in the battery carriage 40. In thepreferred embodiment, the power supply 42 includes four type AA directcurrent (dc) alkaline batteries 44, 46, 48, 50. The batteries 44, 46,48, 50 are mounted in the battery carriage 40 in electrical series witheach other by means well-known in the art. For example, in theembodiment shown, each of the batteries 44, 46, 48, 50 is positionedbetween respective positive and negative metal clips 45 to hold thebatteries 44, 46, 48, 50 within the carriage 40 and to establish anelectrical path between the batteries 46, 48, 50 and their respectiveclips.

FIG. 3 further shows that an electronic circuit board 52 is positionedin the housing 30 adjacent the battery carriage 40. It is to beunderstood that an electrical path is established between the batteryclips and the electronic circuit board. Consequently, the batteries 44,46, 48, 50 are electrically connected to the electronic circuit board52. The electronic components of the circuit board 52 are discussed inmore detail in reference to FIG. 7 below.

Still referring to FIG. 3, a lightweight metal or molded plastic gearbox 56 is attached to or formed integrally with the battery carriage 40.The gear box 56 is formed with a gear box opening 58 for receiving thebaton 12 therein.

FIG. 3 also shows that a small, lightweight electric motor 60 isattached to the gear box 56, preferably by bolting the motor 60 to thegear box 56. In the presently preferred embodiment, the motor 60 is adirect current (dc) motor, type FC-130-10300, made by Mabuchi MotorAmerica Corp. of New York. As more fully disclosed in reference to FIG.4 below, the gear box 56 holds a gear assembly which causes the baton 12to rotate at a fraction of the angular velocity of the motor 60. Asfurther discussed below more fully in reference to FIG. 7, the motor 60can be energized by the power supply 42 through the circuit board 52.

Now referring to FIGS. 4, 5A, 5B, and 6, the details of the gear box 56can be seen. As shown best in FIG. 4, the gear box 56 includes aplurality of lightweight metal or molded plastic gears, i.e., a gearassembly, and each gear is rotatably mounted within the gear box 56. Inthe presently preferred embodiment, the gear box 56 is a clamshellstructure which includes a first half 62 and a second half 64, and thehalves 62, 64 of the gear box 56 are snappingly engageable together bymeans well-known in the art. For example, in the embodiment shown, apost 66 in the second half 64 of the gear box 56 engages a hole 68 inthe first half 62 of the gear box 56 in an interference fit to hold thehalves 62, 64 together.

Each half 62, 64 includes a respective opening 70, 72, and the openings70, 72 of the gear box 56 establish the gear box opening 58 (FIG. 3) andare coaxial with the channel 22 of the housing 30 for slidably receivingthe baton 12 therethrough.

As shown in FIG. 4, a motor gear 74 is connected to the rotor 76 of themotor 60. In turn, the motor gear 74 is engaged with a first reductiongear 78, and the first reduction gear 78 is engaged with a secondreduction gear 80.

As shown in FIG. 4, the second reduction gear 80 is engaged with a mainreduction gear 82. To closely receive a hexagonally-shaped baton, themain reduction gear 82 has a hexagonally-shaped channel 84. As intendedby the present invention, the channel 84 of the main reduction gear 82is coaxial with the openings 70, 72 (and, thus, with the gear boxopening 58 of the gear box 56 shown in FIG. 3). Consequently, thechannel 84 of the main reduction gear 82 is also coaxial with thechannel 22 of the housing 30, for receiving the baton 12 therethrough.

It can be appreciated in reference to FIG. 4 that when the mainreduction gear 82 is rotated, and the baton 12 is engaged with thechannel 84 of the main reduction gear 82, the sides of the channel 84contact the baton 12 to prevent rotational relative motion between thebaton 12 and the main reduction gear 82. Further, the reduction gears78, 80, 82 cause the baton 12 to rotate at a fraction of the angularvelocity of the motor 60. Preferably, the reduction gears 78, 80, 82reduce the angular velocity of the motor 60 such that the baton 12rotates at about one revolution per second.

It is to be understood that the channel 84 of the main reduction gear 82can have other shapes suitable for conforming to the shape of theparticular baton being used. For example, for a baton (not shown) havinga circular transverse cross-sectional shapes, the channel 84 will have acircular cross-section. In such an embodiment, a set screw (not shown)is threadably engaged with the main reduction gear 82 for extending intothe channel 84 to abut the baton and hold the baton stationary withinthe channel 84. In other words, the gears 74, 78, 80, 82 described aboveestablish a coupling which operably engages the motor 60 with the baton12.

In cross-reference to FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B, the main reduction gear 82 isformed on a hollow shaft 86, and the shaft 86 is closely received withinthe opening 70 of the first half 62 of the gear box 56 for rotatablemotion therein. Also, a first travel limit reduction gear 88 is formedon the shaft 86 of the main reduction gear 82. The first travel limitreduction gear 88 is engaged with a second travel limit reduction gear90, and the second travel limit reduction gear 90 is in turn engagedwith a third travel limit reduction gear 92.

FIG. 4 best shows that the third travel limit reduction gear 92 isengaged with a linear rack gear 94. Thus, the main reduction gear 82 iscoupled to the rack gear 94 through the travel limit reduction gears 88,90, 92, and the rotational speed (i.e., angular velocity) of the mainreduction gear 82 is reduced through the first, second, and third travellimit reduction gears 88, 90, 92. Also, the rotational motion of themain reduction gear 82 is translated into linear motion by the operationof the third travel limit reduction gear 92 and rack gear 94.

FIG. 4 shows that the second reduction gear 80 and second and thirdtravel limit reduction gears 90, 92 are rotatably engaged withrespective metal post axles 80a, 90a, 92a which are anchored in thefirst half 62 of the gear box 56. In contrast, the first reduction gear78 is rotatably engaged with a metal post axle 78a which is anchored inthe second half 64 of the gear box 56.

Still referring to FIG. 4, the rack gear 94 is slidably engaged with agroove 96 that is formed in the first half 62 of the gear box 56. Firstand second travel limiters 98, 100 are connected to the rack gear 94. Inthe embodiment shown, the travel limiters 98, 100 are threaded, and arethreadably engaged with the rack gear 94. Alternatively, travel limiters(not shown) having smooth surfaces may be slidably engaged with the rackgear 94 in an interference fit therewith, and may be manually movedrelative to the rack gear 94.

As yet another alternative, travel limiters (not shown) may be providedwhich are formed with respective detents (not shown). In such anembodiment, the rack gear is formed with a channel having a series ofopenings for receiving the detents, and the travel limiters can bemanipulated to engage their detents with a preselected pair of theopenings in the rack gear channel. In any case, it will be appreciatedthat the position of the travel limiters of the present inventionrelative to the rack gear 94 may be manually adjusted.

FIG. 4 shows that each travel limiter 98, 100 has a respective abutmentsurface 102, 104. In cross-reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the abutmentsurfaces 102, 104 can contact a reed switch 106 which is mounted on abase 107. The base 107 is in turn anchored on the second half 64 of thegear box 56. As intended by the present invention, the reed switch 106includes electrically conductive, preferably beryllium-copper first andsecond spring arms 108, 112 and an electrically conductive, preferablyberyllium-copper center arm 110. As shown, one end of each spring arm108, 112 is attached to the base 107, and the opposite ends of thespring arms 108, 112 can move relative to the base 107. As also shown,one end of the center arm 110 is attached to the base 107.

When the main reduction gear 82 has rotated sufficientlycounterclockwise, the abutment surface 102 of the first travel limiter98 contacts the first spring arm 108 of the reed switch 106 to urge thefirst spring arm 108 against the stationary center arm 110 of the reedswitch 106. On the other hand, when the main reduction gear 82 hasrotated clockwise a sufficient amount, the abutment surface 104 of thesecond travel limiter 100 contacts the second spring arm 112 of the reedswitch 106 to urge the second spring arm 112 against the stationarycenter arm 110 of the reed switch 106.

FIG. 6 best shows that an electrically conductive, preferablygold-plated contact 114 is deposited on the first spring arm 108, andelectrically conductive, preferably gold-plated contacts 116a, 116b aredeposited on opposed surfaces of the center arm 110. Also, anelectrically conductive, preferably gold-plated contact 118 is depositedon the second spring arm 112.

Thus, when the first spring arm 108 is urged against the center arm 110,the contact 114 of the first spring arm 108 contacts the contact 116a ofthe center arm 110 to complete an electrical circuit. On the other hand,when the second spring arm 112 is urged against the center arm 110, thecontact 118 of the second spring arm 112 contacts the contact 116b ofthe center arm 110 to complete an electrical circuit. It can beappreciated in reference to FIG. 4 that the reed switch 106 iselectrically connected to the circuit board 52 (FIG. 3) via anelectrical lead 119.

As more fully disclosed below in reference to FIG. 7, the completion ofeither one of the electrical circuits discussed above causes the motor60 to deenergize and consequently stops the rotation of the mainreduction gear 82 and, hence, the rotation the baton 12. Stateddifferently, the travel limiters 98, 100 may be manually adjustedrelative to the rack gear 94 as appropriate for limiting the rotation ofthe baton 12 by the actuator 10.

Referring briefly back to FIG. 4, spacers 120, 122 may be molded ontothe halves 62, 64 for structural stability when the halves 62, 64 of thegear box 56 are snapped together.

Now referring to FIG. 7, the details of the electrical circuitrycontained on the circuit board 52 may be seen. In overview, theelectrical circuit board 52 includes a pulse modulation detector 130 anda beam and manual direction controller 132 for processing the usercommand signal generated by the user command signal generator 31 andsensed by the signal sensor 29 (FIG. 1) for opening and closing theblind 14. Also, to operate the blind 14 in response to a predeterminedlevel of sunlight as sensed by the daylight sensor 28 (FIG. 3), thecircuit board 52 includes a daylight detector 134, a daylight directioncontroller 136, and an edge detector 138. The edge detector 138 preventsoperation of the blind 14 in response to spurious light signals, e.g.,automobile headlights. Additionally, the circuit board 52 has an outputamplifier 140 for powering the motor 60 shown in FIG. 3.

For clarity of disclosure, the discussion below focusses on the salientcomponents of the electrical circuit board 52. Table 1 below, however,sets forth the values of all of the resistors and capacitors of thecircuit board 52 of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows that the pulse modulation detector 130 includes a firsttype 4093 Schmidt trigger 142 that is electrically connected to thesignal sensor 29 for receiving the pulse modulated detection signaltherefrom. From the first trigger 142, the signal is sent to first andsecond stages 144, 146 of a type 4538 activity sensor, and from thenceto a first type 4093 NAND gate inverter 148. The NAND gate inverter 148functions as an inverter, generating a FALSE signal output signal fromtwo TRUE input signals and a TRUE signal output otherwise. From the NANDgate inverter 148, the signal is sent through a first type 1N4148 diode150 to a capacitor C2. Also, from the second stage 146, the signal issent through a second type 1N4148 diode 152 to a capacitor C8.

When the first trigger 142 senses a pulsed optical signal from thesignal sensor 29, the first trigger 142 generates an output signalhaving the same pulse rate as the optical signal from the signal sensor29. When the output signal of the trigger 142 has a pulse rate greaterthan 5000 μs, the output signal of the first stage 144 is FALSE.Consequently, the output of the NAND gate inverter 148 is TRUE. A TRUEoutput signal from the NAND gate inverter 148 maintains a positivevoltage on the capacitor C2. As more fully discussed below, when apositive voltage is maintained on the capacitor C2, energization of themotor 60 is prevented.

Additionally, when the output signal of the first trigger 142 has apulse rate less than fifteen thousand microseconds (1500 μs), the outputsignal of the second stage 146 will be FALSE. Consequently, thecapacitor C8 discharges, which causes the input signal of the NAND gateinverter 148 from the second stage 146 to become FALSE. In response, theoutput of the NAND gate inverter 148 is TRUE, which, as discussed above,maintains a positive voltage on the capacitor C2 to prevent energizationof the motor 60.

In contrast, when the output signal of the first trigger 142 has a pulserate between fifteen hundred microseconds and five thousand microseconds(1500 μs-5000 μs) (indicating reception by the signal sensor 29 of aproper optical control signal having a pulse rate of between 1500μs-5000 μs), the output signals of both the first and second stages 144,146 are TRUE. In turn, the output signal of the first NAND gate inverter148 is FALSE, permitting the capacitor C2 to discharge and therebypermit energization of the motor 60.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that the values of R2 and C2 areselected to require that the output signal of the first NAND gateinverter 148 remains FALSE for at least three hundred thirtymilliseconds (330 ms) before the capacitor C2 fully discharges to enableenergization of the motor 60. The skilled artisan will furtherappreciate that when a two-position switch 154 having an "ON" positionand an "OFF" position (FIGS. 1 and 7) is manually moved to the "OFF"position, voltage from the power supply 42 is conducted to the capacitorC2 to prevent the automatic energization of the motor 60 describedabove. The motor 60 may nevertheless be energized when the two-positionswitch 154 is in the "OFF" position, however, by manually depressing athumbswitch 156 (FIGS. 1 and 7), as more fully disclosed below.

FIG. 7 shows that the beam and manual direction controller 132 includesa second type 4093 NAND gate inverter 158, the input signal of which isthe output signal of the first NAND gate inverter 148. Upon receipt of a"FALSE" input signal from the first NAND gate inverter 148 (indicatingreception by the signal sensor 29 of a proper optical control signalhaving a pulse rate of between 1500 μs-5000 μs for at least 330 ms), thesecond NAND gate inverter 158 generates an output clocking signal. Also,FIG. 7 shows that when the thumbswitch 156 is depressed, a "FALSE" inputsignal is sent to the second NAND gate inverter 158, and an outputclocking signal is consequently generated by the inverter 158.

The output clocking signal of the second NAND gate inverter 158 is sentin turn to a type 4013 "D" motor run flip-flop 160. As shown in FIG. 7,the flip-flop 160 is in the so-called "toggle" configuration (i.e., pin2 of the flip-flop 160 is electrically connected to its pin 5).Accordingly, the flip-flop 160 changes state each time it receives aclocking signal.

FIG. 7 shows that the motor run flip-flop 160 is electrically connectedto a type 4013 "D" motor direction flip-flop 162. Like the motor runflip-flop 160, the motor direction flip-flop 162 is in the "toggle"configuration.

In accordance with the present invention, the motor run flip-flop 160generates either a "motor run" or "motor stop" output signal, while themotor direction flip-flop 162 generates either a "clockwise" or"counterclockwise" output signal. As discussed above, each time themotor run flip-flop 160 receives a clocking signal, it changes state.Also, each time the motor run flip-flop 160 is reset to a "stop motor"state, it toggles the motor direction flip-flop 162 via a line 163 tochange state.

Thus, with the motor direction flip-flop 162 initially in the clockwisestate, to cause the motor run flip-flop 160 to generate a "motor run"output signal, the user signal generator 31 (FIG. 1) is manipulated togenerate a first user command signal (or the thumbswitch 156 isdepressed). Then, to cause the motor run flip-flop 160 to generate a"motor stop" output signal, the user signal generator 31 is manipulatedto generate a second user command signal (or the thumbswitch 156 isagain depressed).

Upon receiving the second clocking signal, the motor run flip-flop 160toggles the motor direction flip-flop 162 to change state (i.e., tocounterclockwise). Then, manipulation of the user signal generator 31 togenerate yet a third user command signal (or again depressing thethumbswitch 156) causes the motor run flip-flop to generate a "motorrun" signal. Yet a fourth signal causes the motor 60 to again stop, andso on.

Additionally, the state of the motor run flip-flop 160 is caused tochange when the motor 60 reaches its predetermined clockwise orcounterclockwise limits of travel, as established by the positions ofthe travel limiters 98, 100 relative to the rack gear 94 (FIG. 4). Thisprevents continued energization of the motor 60 after the motor 60 hasreached a travel limit, as sensed by the reed switch 106.

In describing this means of changing the state of the motor runflip-flop 160 in response to travel motion limitations, the motordirection flip-flop 162 generates either a clockwise ("CW") outputsignal or a counterclockwise ("CCW") output signal, as mentioned aboveand indicated in FIG. 7 by lines CW and CCW. In the presently preferredembodiment, clockwise rotation of the motor 60 corresponds to openingthe blind 14, while counterclockwise rotation of the motor 60corresponds to closing, i.e., shutting, the blind 14.

In further disclosing the cooperation of the motor direction flip-flop162 with the motor run flip-flop 160, the "CW" output signal of themotor direction flip-flop 162 is sent to a first type 4093 limit switchNAND gate 164, whereas the "CCW" output signal of the motor directionflip-flop 162 is sent to a second type 4093 limit switch NAND gate 166.The output signals of the first and second limit switch NAND gates 164,166 are sent in turn to a third type 4093 limit switch NAND gate 168,and the output signal of the third limit switch NAND gate 168 is sent tothe motor run flip-flop 160.

FIG. 7 also shows that the first and second limit switch NAND gates 164,166 receive respective upper limit reached ("USW") and lower limitreached ("LSW") input signals. As shown in FIG. 7, the "USW" signal isgenerated by a type 4093 USW NAND gate 170, and the "LSW" signal isgenerated by a type 4093 LSW NAND gate 172.

Both NAND gates 170, 172 receive input signals from a type 4093direction NAND gate 174. In turn, the direction NAND gate 174 receivesan input signal indicating the direction of actual rotation of the motor60 (i.e., the "motor run CW" signal or the "motor run CCW" signal. InFIG. 7, the "motor run CW" signal has been designated "DRCW", and the"motor run CCW" signal has been designated "DRCCW", and the generationof both the "DRCW" and "DRCCW" signals is discussed more fully below.

The output signal of the direction NAND gate 174 is always "TRUE",unless it senses that the motor 60 has been simultaneously given both a"motor run CW" ("DRCW") signal and a "motor run CCW" ("DRCCW") signal,in which case the output signal of the direction NAND gate is "FALSE".Thus, the "DRCCW" and "DRCW" signals are gated as described above toprevent damaging the output amplifier 140 if the motor 60 is erroneouslycommanded to simultaneously rotate in both the clockwise andcounterclockwise directions.

Additionally, the USW NAND gate 170 receives an input signal from thereed switch 106 when the abutment surface 102 of the travel limiter 98(FIG. 4) urges the first arm 108 against the center arm 110 of theswitch 106, indicating that the rack gear 94 (and, hence, the motor 60)has reached the predetermined upper, i.e., clockwise, limit of travel.Also, the LSW NAND gate 172 receives an input signal from the reedswitch 106 when the abutment surface 104 of the travel limiter 100 (FIG.4) urges the second arm 112 against the center arm 110 of the switch106, indicating that the rack gear 94 (and, hence, the motor 60) hasreached the predetermined lower, i.e., counterclockwise, limit oftravel.

Accordingly, upon receipt of the appropriate signal from the reed switch106, the USW NAND gate 170 generates the USW signal. Likewise, uponreceipt of the appropriate signal from the reed switch 106, the LSW NANDgate 172 generates the LSW signal.

Further, independent of the position of the reed switch 106, in theevent that the output signal of the direction NAND gate 174 is "FALSE",both the USW NAND gate 170 generates a USW signal, and the LSW NAND gate172 generates a LSW signal. Consequently, the motor 60 will be caused tostop if the direction NAND gate 174 senses the simultaneous existence ofboth a "motor run CW" (i.e., a "DRCW") signal and a "motor run CCW"(i.e., a "DRCCW") signal.

As discussed above, the LSW and USW signals are sent to the first andsecond limit switch NAND gates 164, 166, which generate input signals tothe third limit switch NAND gate 168. In turn, the third limit switchNAND gate 168 sends a clocking signal to the motor run flip-flop 160 tocause the motor run flip-flop 160 to change state, i.e., to the "motoroff" state.

Accordingly, when the motor 60 is rotating clockwise and the upper(i.e., clockwise) limit of rotation is reached, the reed switch 106generates a signal which is sent via the following path to change thestate of the motor run flip-flop 160 to cause the motor 60 to stop: USWNAND gate 170, first limit switch NAND gate 164, third limit switch NANDgate 168.

Likewise, when the motor 60 is rotating counterclockwise and the lower(i.e., counterclockwise) limit of rotation is reached, the reed switch106 generates a signal which is sent via the following path to changethe state of the motor run flip-flop 160 to cause the motor 60 to stop:LSW NAND gate 172, second limit switch NAND gate 166, third limit switchNAND gate 168.

FIG. 7 additionally shows that the "USW" and "LSW" signals are also sentto the motor direction flip-flop 162 via respective resistors R22, R23to reset the flip-flop 162 to the appropriate state. Stated differently,the "USW" signal is sent to the motor direction flip-flop 162 viaresistor R22 to reset the flip-flop 162 to the counterclockwise state,and the "LSW" signal is sent to the motor direction flip-flop 162 viaresistor R23 to reset the flip-flop 162 to the clockwise state, when theappropriate travel limits have been reached.

The output signals of the flip-flops 160, 162 are each gated to type4093 flip-flop CW and CCW NAND gates 176, 178. More specifically, bothoutput signals of the motor run flip-flop 160 are gated to the NANDgates 176, 178, whereas only the "CW" output signal of the motordirection flip-flop 162 is gated to the CW NAND gate 176, and the "CCW"signal from the motor direction flip-flop 162 is gated to the CCW NANDgate 178.

As intended by the present invention, the flip-flop CW NAND gate 176generates a "motor run CW" (i.e., the "DRCW") output signal only whenthe motor run flip-flop 160 inputs a "motor run" signal to the CW NANDgate 176 and the motor direction flip-flop 162 inputs a "CW" signal tothe NAND gate 176. Likewise, the flip-flop CCW NAND gate 178 generates a"motor run CCW" (i.e., "DRCCW") output signal only when the motor runflip-flop 160 inputs a "motor run" signal to the CCW NAND gate 178 andthe motor direction flip-flop 162 inputs a "CCW" signal to the NAND gate178.

Now referring to the daylight detector 134 shown in FIG. 7, the purposeof which is to energize the motor 60 to open or close the blind 14 upondetection of a predetermined level of light that is present at thedaylight sensor 28, the daylight sensor 28 is electrically connected toa first type 2N3904 transistor Q2. Accordingly, when light impinges uponthe daylight sensor 28, the sensor 28 sends a signal to the transistorQ2.

If desired, energization of the motor 60 in response to signalsgenerated by the daylight sensor 28 can be disabled by appropriatelymanipulating a two-position daylight disable switch 180. The switch 180has an "AUTO" position, wherein automatic operation of the actuator 10in response to signals from the daylight sensor 28 is enabled, and an"OFF" position, wherein automatic operation of the actuator 10 inresponse to signals from the daylight sensor 28 is disabled.

After receiving the signal from the daylight sensor 28, the firsttransistor Q2 turns on, and consequently causes a first type 2N3906transistor Q1 to turn on. The output signal of the second transistor Q1is sent via a resistor R4 to the base of the first transistor Q2, toestablish a hysterisis-based electronic signal latch. Also, the outputsignal of the second transistor Q1 is sent to a type 4093 light NANDgate 182. Whenever the light NAND gate 182 receives a signal from thesecond transistor Q1, the NAND gate 182 changes state.

FIG. 7 shows that the output signal generated by the light NAND gateinverter 182 is sent to the so-called "D" input ports of type 4013 firstand second stages 184, 186 of the daylight direction controller 136. Theoutput signals of the stages 184, 186 are "motor run CW ("DRCW") and"motor run CCW" (DRCCW") signals, and are in turn respectively sent totype 4093 CW and CCW NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190 of the outputamplifier circuitry 140.

To generate their motor run output signals, the stages 184, 186 of thedaylight direction controller 136 must also receive input signals fromthe edge detector 138. As intended by the present invention, the edgedetector 138 functions to prevent automatic operation of the blind 14 inthe presence of detection signals generated by the daylight detector 136in response to spurious light signals, e.g., automobile headlights atnight.

FIG. 7 shows that the edge detector 138 includes a type 4077 exclusiveexclusive NOR gate 194. As shown, the exclusive NOR gate 194 receives afirst input signal directly from the light NAND gate 182 and a secondinput signal which originates at the NAND gate 182 and which is passedthrough the network established by a resistor R13 and a capacitor C4.With this arrangement, the exclusive NOR gate 194 generates a positivepulse output signal each time the light NAND gate 182 changes state.

As further shown in FIG. 7, the output signal of the exclusive NOR gate194 is sent to a type 4020 fourteen (14) stage binary counter 196. Thecounter 196 is associated with an oscillator 198 that includes a type4093 NAND gate 199, and the counter is also associated with first andsecond type 4077 exclusive NOR gate inverters 200, 202. The exclusiveNOR gate inverters 200, 202 cooperate to ensure correct phasing of theoscillator output clocking signal.

As disclosed above, when a detection signal is received from the lightNAND gate 182 of the daylight detector 134, this signal is sent to theNOR gate 194 in the edge detector 138 and to the first and second stages184, 186 in the daylight direction controller 136. The first and secondstages 184, 186, however, do not immediately generate an output signalin response.

Instead, the exclusive NOR gate 194 immediately sends an output signalto the counter 196. In response, the counter 196 enables the oscillator198 to generate output clocking signals, and the counter 196 commencescounting the output clocking signals from the oscillator 198 until thefirst thirteen (13) stages of the counter have been filled with clockingsignals. Then, the counter 196 sends an output signal to each of thefirst and second stages 184, 186 of the daylight direction controller136.

In the embodiment shown, the oscillator 198 operates between about fiveHertz and ten Hertz (5 Hz-10 Hz), and the thirteen (13) stages ofcounter 196 can store a total of eight thousand one hundred ninety two(8192) clocking signals. With this combination of structure, the counter196 sends an output signal to the first and second stages 184, 186 ofthe daylight direction controller 136 about fifteen to twenty (15-20)minutes after receiving its input signal from the exclusive NOR gate194.

FIG. 7 shows that the first and second stages 184, 186 of the daylightdirection controller 136 receive both the signal from the counter 196,and the signal from the light NAND gate 182. Depending upon whether theblind 14 is to be opened at the onset of day or vice-versa, based uponthe state of the light amplifier 182 as indicated by whether its outputsignal is "TRUE" or "FALSE", one of the stages 184, 186 will send amotor run signal to its associated NAND gate motor controller 188, 190of the output amplifier circuitry 140 to cause the blind 14 to be openedor closed.

In the embodiment shown, the first stage 184 sends an output DRCW signalto the CW NAND gate motor controller 188 when the blind 14 is desired tobe open. On the other hand, the second stage 186 sends an output DRCCWsignal to the CCW NAND gate motor controller 190 when the blind 14 isdesired to be shut. In either case, the blind 14 is operated only aftera predetermined light level has been sensed continuously for 15-20minutes by the daylight sensor 28.

Also, FIG. 7 shows that the first stage 184 receives the "USW" signal,while the second stage 186 receives the "LSW" signal. Upon receipt ofthe "USW" signal, indicating that the blind 14 is fully open, the firststage 184 stops sending its "motor run" output signal to the NAND gatemotor controller 188. Likewise, upon receipt of the "LSW" signal,indicating that the blind 14 is fully shut, the second stage 186 stopssending its "motor run" output signal to the NAND gate motor controller190.

The output amplifier 140 includes the two NAND gate motor controllers188, 190. As shown in FIG. 7, the NAND gate motor controllers 188, 190each receive inputs from the beam and manual detection controller 132,for opening and closing the blind 14 in response to user-generatedsignals from either the pushbutton 156 or the user signal generator 31,and from the daylight direction controller 136, for opening and closingthe blind 14 in response to predetermined levels of daylight.

More particularly, the CW NAND gate motor controller 188 receives a DRCWinput signal from the flip-flop CW NAND gate 176 only when the motor runflip-flop 160 inputs a "motor run" signal to the CW NAND gate 176 andwhen the motor direction flip-flop 162 inputs a "CW" signal to the NANDgate 176. Also, the CW NAND gate motor controller 188 can receive aninput DRCW signal from the first stage 184.

On the other hand, the CCW NAND gate motor controller 190 receives aDRCCW input signal from the flip-flop CCW NAND gate 178 only when themotor run flip-flop 160 inputs a "motor run" signal to the CCW NAND gate178 and when the motor direction flip-flop 162 inputs a "CCW" signal tothe NAND gate 178. Also, the CCW NAND gate motor controller 190 canreceive an input DRCCW signal from the second stage 186.

Upon receipt of either of its input DRCW signals, the CW NAND gate motorcontroller 188 sends the DRCW signal to a type 2N3904 CW gatingtransistor Q7 to turn on the gating transistor Q7, and the gatingtransistor Q7 then turns on a type 2N4403 CW power transistor Q6 and atype 2N4401 CW power transistor Q5. Once energized, the CW powertransistors Q6, Q5 complete the electrical path (starting at a terminal204) from the power supply 42, to the motor 60, and to ground(represented at a ground terminal 206) such that the motor 60 is causedto rotate clockwise to thereby move the blind 14 toward the openconfiguration.

In contrast, upon receipt of either of its DRCCW input signals, the CCWNAND gate motor controller 190 sends the DRCCW signal to a type 2N3904CCW gating transistor Q4 to turn on the gating transistor Q4. In turn,the gating transistor Q4 turns on a type 2N4403 CCW power transistors Q3and a type 2N4401 CCW power transistor Q8. Once energized, the CCW powertransistors Q8, Q3 complete the electrical path (starting at a terminal204) from the power supply 42, to the motor 60, and to ground(represented at a ground terminal 206) such that the motor 60 is causedto rotate counterclockwise to thereby move the blind 14 toward theclosed configuration. Thus, the circuitry described above essentiallyfunctions as an electronic power switch having an open configuration anda closed configuration for selectively energizing the motor 60.

To conserve power when it is not desired to move the blind 14, powerconservation resistors R15, R17, R20, R21 are provided to maintain thetransistors Q3, Q5, Q6, Q8 off in the absence of a signal from the NANDgate motor controllers 188, 190.

The skilled artisan will appreciate that with the combination ofstructure disclosed above, the life of the power supply 42 is prolonged.More particularly, under normal operating conditions, with the use oflight sensors 28, 29 that have low dark currents, and the use of thepower conservation resistors R15, R17, R20, R21, the four batteries 44,46, 48, 50 can operate the blind 14 for a relatively prolonged period.The skilled artisan will further recognize, however, that the use of alarger power supply in turn facilitates the use of light sensors havinghigh dark currents. Also, the use of relatively sophisticatedelectronics (e.g., transistors) in the sensor circuitry can furtherprolong the life of the power supply. As will nevertheless be recognizedby the skilled artisan, however, the presently preferred embodimentachieves a relatively long life for the inexpensive, simple, andconvenient dc power supply 42, with comparatively simple electroniccomponents.

                  TABLE 1                                                         ______________________________________                                                                          Value                                       Resistors Value (Ohms) Capacitors (Farads)                                    ______________________________________                                        R1        3.3M         C1         0.1μ                                     R2        3.3M         C2         0.1μ                                     R3        10M          C3         0.1μ                                     R4        10M          C4         0.01μ                                    R5        1.5M         C5         3300 p                                      R6        3.3M         C6         3300 p                                      R7        10M          C7         0.01μ                                    R8        10M          C8         0.01μ                                    R9        1.5M                                                                R10       10M                                                                 R11       10M                                                                 R12       22M                                                                 R13       100K                                                                R14       1.0K                                                                R15       100K                                                                R16       220                                                                 R17       100K                                                                R18       1.0K                                                                R19       220                                                                 R20       100K                                                                R21       100K                                                                R22       1.5M                                                                R23       1.5M                                                                R24       1.5M                                                                R25       470K                                                                R26       3.3M                                                                R27       100                                                                 R28       3.3M                                                                ______________________________________                                    

While the particular mini-blind actuator as herein shown and describedin detail is fully capable of attaining the above-described objects ofthe invention, it is to be understood that it is the presently preferredembodiment of the present invention and is thus representative of thesubject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention,that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses otherembodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, andthat the scope of the present invention is accordingly to be limited bynothing other than the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An actuator for rotating an actuating baton of ablind having a plurality of slats, comprising:a gear assembly includinga hollow coupling having a channel configured for closely receiving thebaton therein; an electric motor, wherein a rotor of the motor isconnected to the gear assembly for rotating the baton in eitherdirection; a housing for holding the motor; a fastening element attachedto the housing and connectable to a surface adjacent the baton toprevent relative motion between the surface and the housing; at leastone direct current (dc) battery mounted in the housing and electricallyconnected to the motor for selectively energizing the motor to rotatethe baton and thereby cause the slats to rotate; and an electroniccircuit having an open configuration, wherein the electrical circuitfrom the battery to the motor is incomplete, and a closed configuration,wherein the electrical circuit from the battery to the motor iscomplete, wherein the power switch is moved between the open and closedconfigurations by a control signal.
 2. The actuator of claim 1, whereinthe control signal is generated by a daylight sensor in response to apredetermined amount of light impinging on the daylight sensor, whereinthe daylight sensor is electrically connected to the power switch. 3.The actuator of claim 1, wherein the control signal is generated by asignal sensor in response to a user command signal, wherein the signalsensor is electrically connected to the power switch.
 4. The actuator ofclaim 3, further comprising a hand-held user command signal generatorfor selectively generating the user command signal.
 5. The actuator ofclaim 1, wherein the gear assembly includes a plurality of reductiongears for causing the baton to rotate at a fraction of the angularvelocity of the rotor, and a rack gear for operating a limit switch todeactivate the motor when the blind is in a predetermined configuration.6. The actuator of claim 1, wherein the power switch is in the openconfiguration in the absence of the control signal.
 7. A device formoving an operator of a window covering having slats to open or closethe slats, comprising:an actuator including an electric motor and acoupling operably engaged with the motor, wherein the coupling contactsthe operator to prevent rotational relative motion between the couplingand the operator, a rotor of the motor being connected to the couplingfor rotating the operator in either direction; a source of electricalpower; and a control signal generator for generating a control signal tocause the source of electrical power to energize the motor to move theoperator and thereby cause the slats to rotate.
 8. The device of claim7, further comprising at least one electronic component responsive tothe control signal for energizing the actuator.
 9. The device of claim8, wherein the actuator includes a motor having a rotor, a housing forholding the motor, and a fastening element for attaching the housing toa surface.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the control signalgenerator generates the control signal in response to a predeterminedamount of daylight impinging on the control signal generator.
 11. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the control signal generator generates thecontrol signal in response to a user command signal impinging on thecontrol signal generator.
 12. The device of claim 9, wherein the gearassembly includes a plurality of reduction gears for causing theoperator to rotate at a fraction of the angular velocity of the rotor,and a rack gear for operating a limit switch to deactivate the motorwhen the window covering is in a predetermined configuration.
 13. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the control signal generator is a lightsensor having a dark current equal to or less than about 2×10⁻⁹ amperes.14. A method for moving the slats of a blind by rotating an operatingbaton of the blind, comprising the steps of:(a) providing an electricmotor, a coupling including a gear assembly having a channel formedtherein, a dc battery, and a housing for holding the battery and themotor; (b) coupling a rotor of the motor with the gear assembly andengaging the baton with the channel; (c) fastening the housing to asurface adjacent the baton; and (c) sensing a predeterminedelectromagnetic signal to cause the electrical circuit between thebattery and the motor to be completed to rotate the baton in eitherdirection.
 15. A device for rotating the operating baton of a blind toopen and close the blind, comprising:an electric motor having a rotor; adirect current battery for energizing the motor; a coupling operablyengaged with the motor and coupled to the baton for transferringrotational motion of the rotor to the baton; and an electronic circuitconnected to the battery and the motor for selectively establishing acomplete circuit between the battery and motor, the electronic includingat least one light sensor having a dark current equal to or less thanabout 10⁻⁶ amperes for causing the battery to energize the motor to openor close when light having a predetermined intensity impinges on thesensor and for minimizing drain on the battery when the motor isdeenergized.
 16. The actuator of claim 2, wherein the electronic circuitfurther comprises an edge detector for preventing activation of themotor for a predetermined time period after the control signal isgenerated by the daylight sensor.
 17. The device of claim 12, whereinthe electronic circuit further comprises an edge detector for preventingactivation of the motor for a predetermined time period after thecontrol signal is generated by the control signal generator.
 18. Thedevice of claim 17, further comprising a gear assembly and a hollowcoupling defining a channel having continuous walls therearound, thechannel being configured for closely receiving the operator therein, therotor being connected to the gear assembly and the gear assembly beingconnected to the coupling, wherein the device includes at least onenon-logical CMOS component.